Spring is moving quickly

Hi there, Jane here.

I am scrambling and laughing at the same time. I can't believe how quickly April has come and now, almost gone. It was a really exciting month for Ann Arbor's Sunday Artisan Market. Opening Day, on April 6th, was a perfect Spring day and we had lots of vendors and and lots of customers. April has traditionally been a slow month, perfect for getting booths and product organized and set to go for the rest of the year. But, at least this year, we started off with a bang.

Perhaps too much of a bang because Michigan's winter weather returned the following Sunday. There were 16 brave vendors and a few sturdy customers all thinking very hard about sunny skies and blooming flowers. That must have worked because the following Sunday was gorgeous and the Sunday Artisan Market was packed with both vendor's and customers!! Who knew the difference that 6 short days could make. I believe that if I lived in some place with more predictable weather I'd probably be bored in no time. Actually, I once lived in Southern California and I found my self getting up each morning complaining about "another blankity blank crystal clear morning." So I guess it's a good thing I live in Michigan. Never boring here.

And I can say the same thing about the Artisan Market, it's never boring either. Each Sunday is a little different. Already, we have a core group of almost 50 annual vendors, most of whom are at the market almost every Sunday. On top of that we have another 15 to 20 "Daily" vendors who come to the market as their schedules allow. Our customers range from locals to neighbors from close by counties to way-out-of-towners. One group last weekend was from Italy. I suspect visiting the Artisan Market was not their main reason for being in Ann Arbor, but they all seemed to be having a great time visiting with various artisans and picking up a few pieces of local art. We've already had one special event focusing on Earth Day and more are planned for future Sunday's. Gads, it's not even May yet ! No wonder I'm behind.

Yes, I am very excited about how the Sunday Artisan Market is filling out and up this year. The energy every where is very positive and exciting and everyone seems to be having a really good time. I don't think we could ask for anything more for our start up month.

Here's to a joy filled and prosperous season!